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Photographers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Photographers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$47,840
Median Annual Salary
▼
-5.5% vs 2024
$70,040
Mean Salary
$47,840
Median Salary
$23.00
Hourly Rate
7,980 people work as Photographers in California
Photographers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Photographers in California earn a median salary of $47,840 per year ($3,986/month).
This is 8.9% above the national average of $43,927.
California ranks #10 out of 49 states for Photographers pay.
Approximately 7,980 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 5.5% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Photographers
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.75
Service Orientation
3.25
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Critical Thinking
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.68
Sales and Marketing
4.48
Computers and Electronics
4.18
Administration and Management
3.86
English Language
3.73
Typical Education: Some College Courses
(27.3% of workers)
Salaries for Photographers in California range from $36,470 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $125,490 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $38,410 and $72,100.
Median $47,840
P10: $36,470P25: $38,410P75: $72,100P90: $125,490
10th
$36,470
25th
$38,410
Median
$47,840
75th
$72,100
90th
$125,490
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$36,470
$17.53
$3,039
25th Percentile
$38,410
$18.47
$3,200
Median (50th)
$47,840
$23.00
$3,986
75th Percentile
$72,100
$34.66
$6,008
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$125,490
$60.33
$10,457
Note: The mean (average) salary of $70,040 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Photographers in California is $47,840 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $70,040.
What is the salary range for a Photographers in California?
Salaries for Photographers in California range from $36,470 at the 10th percentile to $125,490 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $38,410 and $72,100.
What is the starting salary for a Photographers in California?
Entry-level Photographers positions in California typically start around $36,470 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $38,410 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Photographers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 7,980 people are employed as Photographers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Photographers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Photographers in California is approximately $23.00 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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